Understanding Georgia Renter Laws for Tenants & Landlords
Each state can have a lot of differences when it comes to landlord-tenant laws. That is why you really need to get familiar with what is on the books in your state… this goes for tenants and landlords. In fact, landlords and owners should become semi-experts on the topic… and it helps to have renters who know how to do their research and follow up with their own knowledge. So, what are the Georgia renter laws that affect people in that state? Here, we will explore.
Knowing the local laws inside and out is important to us. As one of the premier Atlanta Georgia property management companies, we need to know how rental agreements need to be tailored to Georgia laws, how security deposits should be treated, and all sorts of things that might be slightly different in other places. Let’s break down a lot of the basics here.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Georgia Renter Laws
- Resources for Tenants and Landlords
- FAQ
- For Landlords and Owners: How BMG Can Help
Overview of Georgia Renter Laws
Understanding Georgia’s renter laws is important for both landlords and tenants. The broad categories that most laws pertain to include lease agreements, security deposits, maintenance obligations, and eviction procedures.
When it comes to lease agreements, in Georgia they can technically be either written or verbal… but of course, having a written contract is the better idea. The lease should specify details like the duration of the tenancy, rent amount, payment due dates, and any rules regarding property use. While Georgia renter laws don’t require specific clauses in a lease, including clear terms is certainly the best way to go for both renters and landlords.
So, how about security deposits and maintenance? A fair bit of Georgia renter laws get into the various things landlords can and can’t do. For example, Georgia does not limit the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit. That gives flexibility to landlords, right? Sure. While at the same time, landlords who own more than ten rental units are required to place these deposits in a separate escrow account and provide the tenant with a written list of any existing damages before moving in. So there are certain regulations on what they need to do. It is specified that landlords have 30 days to return the deposit (minus any deductions for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear). When it comes to maintenance and repairs, landlords are also obligated to maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition, along with making sure they are adhering to local building and housing codes. Georgia renter laws also clarify how tenants should promptly notify landlords of any necessary repairs, and if a landlord fails to address significant maintenance issues, tenants may have legal options.
When it comes to eviction procedures in Georgia, if a tenant fails to pay rent or violates lease terms, the landlord can start evictions without a mandated notice period… unless it is specified in the lease. After filing a dispossessory affidavit, the tenant typically has 7 days to respond. Failure to do so can result in a court-ordered eviction. The laws make it known that “self-help” evictions and other practices that go outside these particular procedures can be considered a wrongful eviction and can have repercussions for the landlords and/or owners.
Resources for Tenants and Landlords
Georgia Landlord Tenant Handbook – Athens Clarke County
Apartment Rental and Tenant Rights – Consumer Protection Division at Georgia’s Attorney General
Tenant’s Rights Brochure – Georgia Legal Aid
FAQ
We have compiled a few of the most common questions that tend to come up when it comes to Georgia law for renters that are on the books. We hope they will come in handy as you learn more about this topic.
What is the eviction process in Georgia?
Many wonder about the eviction process in Georgia. While you certainly want to avoid it, sometimes evictions happen and both landlords and renters want to know the legal process for it. Evictions in Georgia can move fast compared to other states. Good for landlords. And important for tenants to know. If a tenant doesn’t pay rent or violates the lease, the landlord can serve a Notice to Quit… which can be as short as 3 days for nonpayment. If the tenant doesn’t resolve the issue, the landlord can file for eviction in court. Once the court rules in favor of the landlord, the tenant usually has about 7 days to leave before law enforcement can remove them. Georgia doesn’t require landlords to give long notice periods, so tenants need to act quickly if they want to dispute an eviction.
How extensive are background checks for apartments?
It depends on the landlord. Most run a full background check, which includes credit history, rental history, criminal records, and income verification. Some landlords might just check credit and proof of income. Others may go deeper… especially if the rental is in a high-demand area. If you’ve got past evictions or a low credit score, it’s best to be upfront and offer a guarantor or cosigner… or an extra security deposit to improve your chances.
What are the security deposit laws in Georgia?
People often have many questions when it comes to security deposits. When it comes to Georgia’s security deposit laws, it is good to get a breakdown of what landlords can and can’t do with them. Georgia doesn’t limit how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit, as noted above. When the lease ends, they have 30 days to return the deposit, minus deductions for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear. If they don’t follow the rules, tenants could request that they get their full deposit back… yes, even if there was damage.
For Landlords and Owners: How BMG Can Help
The bottom line is that Georgia renter laws are in place to protect both parties involved. They are meant to clarify responsibilities and make things transparent. Both sides can use the laws to their benefit. But here is the thing. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently, and keeping up with them can be a struggle. That’s why enlisting your favorite property management company to handle your rental property is a safe way to avoid any legal issues regarding landlord-tenant laws.
If you’re looking for top-notch management for your rental properties, look no further than Bay Property Management Group. We offer comprehensive rental management services, from tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and more. Contact BMG today to learn about our property management services in Atlanta, Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia, and many other locations.
